I really do not know anything about this stuff, but I imagine that the entry fees would add up to a decent amount of money. Plus, the vendors have to pay the promoter money for the space, right? I do not know. Maybe that money could be added to the tournament prize pot. I do not know, but it seems better then just canceling the entire event (on such short notice). The players would be very unhappy, but if still willing to play (if she could at least pay them 50% of their winnings, and owe them the rest, to be paid ASAP), then at least the fans could still watch a good tournament. Also, what about the money that needs to be paid at the door, to watch the tournament? That money could be added to the tournament prize pool. I know, I am forgetting about all of the expenses that it might cost to hold the event. I just think that maybe there may have been some way that she could still hold the event, as planned, if she had contacted all of the players to let them know, and heard their feedback, about if they could still attend or not. Why is it that 1 single sponsor backing out would be enough for the event to have to be canceled? She did say that she could probably sue the sponsor, and hopefully still be able to get the money (money that could hopefully soon be paid back to the players).